When Land Rover launched the Defender OCTA two summers ago, it became the range-topping Defender.

Now, the famed British maker of SUVs is planning to top the range-topping model.

Land Rover revealed the Defender Dakar, which takes the OCTA formula and increases its off-road capabilities even further.

The Land Rover Defender Dakar will be available in early 2027, and will be sold in limited numbers.

What is the Defender Dakar?

The Defender Dakar is inspired by Land Rover’s 2026 Dakar Rally-winning race car, D7X-R, and brings some of that rally-bred capability to a road-legal vehicle.

Land Rover said the 4×4 SUV retains the body architecture, transmission and driveline of the D7X-R.

It’s powered by the same powertrain as the OCTA, a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine with mild-hybrid support.

The powertrain produces 626 hp (635 PS) and 553 lb.-ft. (750 Nm) of torque.

Defender Dakar gets off-road goods

The Defender Dakar also gets a 35-inch tire package, with advanced all-terrain tires on new forged 20-inch wheels, coil suspension with motorsport-proven Bilstein advanced dampers, new Dunes and Gravel drive modes and the Flight Mode, which was originally developed for the competition car to ensure smooth landings on extreme and varied terrain, Land Rover said.

The exterior gets roof-mounted light pods, a fixed metal roof, carbon-fibre raised air intakes, carbon-fibre hood, extended wheel arches with exposed rivets, tailgate blanking plate and signature mud flaps. The SUV also gets an enhanced metal front undershield and underbody protection with race-inspired specification.

The interior gets a 2+2 seating configuration with race seats designed specifically for the Defender Dakar. A four-point racing harness is optional.

Land Rover said more details will be revealed at the 2027 Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia.

For updates, visit the Land Rover Canada website.

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